The
12 pound difference in the black tote is interesting. As previously mentioned, it could just reflect new donors products in the KOP. Since the black tote has been slowly dwindling in the past few years, some added items would be appreciated.
As far as the
3 inch difference in the AndyMark KOP drive box, bigger robots is inconclusive. It more likely indicates a "new" or different design for the KOP drive base and thus different packaging. The frame may be designed to allow for flexibility (different lengths/widths) within the frame perimeter rule. I think the 2013 perimeter rule is here to stay.
Bigger game pieces is always a possibility. We haven't had a large exercise ball for several years now and with the smaller perimeter rule that would present some challenges. I still think the trend will continue and it will be a ball game. Doubler balls similar to 2004 FIRST Frenzy haven't been seen lately. Come to think of it, neither have truly mobile goals (the trailers in Lunacy were still tethered to a robot), which would be perfect for a capping doubler bonus ball.
Heavy game pieces is not very likely. Safety is high on the GDC's list of game specifications. A heavy game piece that has to be lifted could be a safety issue. The Tetras from Triple Play is a perfect example. They weighed several pounds each, and this weight lifted by robots had an impact on their CG causing several to tip over, occasionally partially out of the field, a hazard to all near the field. Also, dropping tetras while attempting to score caused them to occasionally fall outside the field. Our human player took a falling tetra in the thigh while returning from loading the robot. She wasn't hurt badly, just a big bruise, but FIRST hasn't used anything similarly heavy or hard since Triple Play.
Also, while Frank clearly said that the Dr. Who reference in the Redux clue wasn't a clue, that is the second reference to Dr. Who by Frank this preseason. He may be a big fan, many of us are, but two references isn't a coincidence. What is the real fascination with the Time Lords?
Quote:
Originally Posted by yarden.saa
The real hint is that you should have check the FIRST website. They didn't announced it as previous years but they publushed the KoP dimensions and weight.
The black tote that every team gets weights 60 pounds (12 pound more than last year).
The andymark drive train is 33" long (3 inch longer than last year).
Another thing:
In the FIRST Choice website they say what is or isn't in the KOP.
this year there will not be: window motors, window motor coupling, window motor connector, soloneid breakout, fans...
Bigger robots, big game pieces/heavy game pieces. |